Audio codec integrates more to save power

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Feb 15, 2002

Philips Semiconductors has a new advanced mixed-signal audio codec chip developed for LCD-based handheld applications.

Philips Semiconductors has a new advanced mixed-signal audio codec chip developed for LCD-based handheld applications.

Offering a small form factor, UCB1400 is an ideal solution for battery-powered devices such as PDAs, handheld PCs, Internet-enabled mobile phones and wireless web terminals.

On a single chip, the UCB1400 combines audio codec functions, a touch-screen controller and power management interfaces - features traditionally requiring two or more ICs.

This combination of features means that handheld manufacturers can build smaller products that run for longer periods of time on a single charge.

The UCB1400 is fully compliant with Revision 2.1 of Intel's AC'97 component specification.

The integrated AC'97 Rev.

2.1 interface allows the UCB1400 to communicate with the AC link host controllers of a variety of embedded processors, such as Intel's PXA210 and PXA250 Applications Processors, Intel's StrongARM SA-1110 processor and future processors from Intel based on the Intel XScale microarchitecture.

"As a member of the Intel Personal Internet Client Architecture Developer's Network, Philips Semiconductors is providing components that enable high quality wireless devices based on Intel building blocks", said Mark Casey, director of marketing for Intel's Handheld Computing Division.

"Platforms based on Intel PCA building blocks, such as Intel StrongARM processors, upcoming processors based on the Intel XScale microarchitecture, and Intel StrataFlash memory will enable new levels of multimedia and applications processing for wireless devices".

The UCB1400 integrates a 20bit stereo codec for audio processing and supports programmable sample rates, I/O gain and digital sound processing including volume, mute, bass and treble controls.

In addition to superior audio processing capabilities, the UCB1400 also supports a variety of power management features.

Individual UCB1400 blocks can be switched off independently when not in use, optimising power consumption and maximising battery-life.

The external interface of the UCB1400 has a total of 48 pins, most of which provide the AC Link, interrupt, audio, ADC, touch-screen, power and miscellaneous interfaces.

Ten general-purpose pins provide programmable I/O enabling the host processor to perform control functions and monitor status.

Other features include 3.3V supply and built-in power saving modes for portable, and battery-powered applications.

"By working in concert with Intel, Philips Semiconductors is delivering advanced integration and multimedia performance for advanced wireless devices", said Tom Dockery, director of product marketing for Philips Semiconductors' computing business line.

"Philips Semiconductors continues to strive for increased integration and system flexibility to create living technology in mobile applications.

The UCB1400 device is a perfect example of how we have successfully applied our connectivity and system solutions to another industry leading architecture".